Chocolate and Carbs: The Solo, Self-Care Valentine’s Day…

I know Valentine’s Day is a fairly divisive holiday that gets a mixed reaction depending on who you ask about it. Some people love it- making grandeur plans, wearing a lot of red or pink, decorating everything with heart-shaped-what-have-you, the works- and other people absolutely hate it. Often calling it a “Hallmark Holiday” used to sell candy, flowers and cards- the people who hate it typically justify their reasoning by saying that we shouldn’t limit expressing our love and affection for special people in our lives to just one day in February.

And, while I’m in agreement with that point (I tell those close to me that I love them quite often!) I also don’t mind Valentine’s Day all that much. I like having an excuse to get dressed up. I like having an excuse to go out to dinner- and I’ll never pass up chocolates or flowers or the like. It’s a silly little holiday that I’ve celebrated since I was a kid and my classmates and I would pass around cards with whatever was popular at the time and ridiculously corny slogans/catchphrases written on them (Power Rangers? Barbie? Nickelodeon shows? It’s all a blur from the 90’s)– and it’s something I don’t think I’ll stop recognizing or celebrating now that I’m an adult.

This Valentine’s Day, however- will prove to be a challenge for me. I had mentioned earlier this month that my friend, who was also a guy I was dating and spent a good portion of my time with- recently moved to California for his job. Now, while we never did anything out of the ordinary for Valentine’s Day- there was usually dinner and/or a movie involved- we still spent it together these past couple of years. With us being on opposite coasts now- my plans have changed a little.

Sure, it’s a bit of a downer- but I’ve opted to practice some solo self-care this coming Friday instead of wallowing in sadness. I’ve booked a hair appointment. I’ve booked a manicure. I have a face mask ready to go. I’m treating myself to dinner and maybe a show in Boston depending on how late my meal goes (or how many cocktails I have.) They say you can’t be truly happy in a relationship with someone else until your’re truly happy in the relationship you have with yourself- so I am determined to be fantastic company all on my own because I know I can be.

I got a head start on my “me time” journey earlier this week while working from home, where I had a mini spa-session in-between e-mails and phone calls while dressed down for the day. The caviar eye mask was in full effect, and I indulged in some carb-loading with pasta I had been craving since this past weekend. Absolutely worth it and much-needed.

Regardless of how you spend Valentine’s Day- solo, coupled up, with friends or with strangers- I think it’s important not to put too much pressure on yourself to have it be perfect or even overly romantic. Have fun. Do things you enjoy on your own or with people you enjoy being around- and don’t be afraid to indulge a bit. Self-care shouldn’t mean depriving yourself a few chocolates or a glass of wine if you really, really want one for the occasion. And if you want flowers? Buy yourself some flowers. It’s perfectly okay.

Also, if you want to wear red and pink? I say go for that, too. I know I’ve already got an outfit planned.